Do nuts make you fat? Prejudices about nuts

Do nuts make you fat? Prejudices about nuts

"Nuts make you fat". We've probably all heard this prejudice before. But what's really behind the rumor? Together with nutritionist Sven Back from Stuttgart, we would like to shed some light on the inside of the nut using selected examples.
02.04.2024
Eine Schale Walnüsse liegt neben einer "Seeberger" Walnüsse Jumbo-Verpackung auf Holztisch.

Hard shell, tasty (walnut) kernel

Walnuts are definitely crunchy and delicious. But what else is in the nut? At over50percent , fat is the largest component of the unusual kernel. However, this includes many unsaturated fatty acids , which provide the body with energy, support the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of developing heart disease. The most important unsaturated fatty acids contained in walnuts are omega-3 fatty acids. As the body cannot produce these itself, they must be obtained from food. In addition to these nourishing fats, the nut also contains numerous vitamins. One example is vitamin E. This ensures, for example, that wounds heal faster, as the body cells are protected by the vitamin.

Eine Schale voll Mandeln steht auf einem weißen Tuch, daneben einige verstreute Mandeln.

Almonds - a variety of kernels

Thanks to its slightly sweet and pleasant taste, the almond is an ideal ingredient in baked goods, muesli or as a snack between meals.
Almonds contain over 50 percent fat. As with walnuts, the majority of this fat is made up of various unsaturated fatty acids . These have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as the cardiovascular system. Almonds also provide a lot of calcium, which strengthens the bones in particular.

Schale voller Erdnüsse auf Holztisch, daneben offene Erdnusspackung mit Aufschrift "Premium Qualität".

Conclusion

So what is the truth behind the prejudice at the beginning of the article? In any case, it is clear how the cliché about nuts came about. Both types of nuts, almonds and walnuts, which are representative of all nuts here, consist of half fat. This knowledge quickly leads to the conclusion that these fats are immortalized directly on the hips. However, this is a misconception, as the fat contained in nuts can be counted among the "good fats", as the unsaturated fatty acids are easily digestible and even help with digestion. It can therefore be said that nuts do not necessarily make you fat, because as with many other foods, it's all about moderation .